Collapsible water pipe

ABSTRACT

A collapsible water pipe is disclosed. An example collapsible water pipe includes a base plate forming a water basin, a body connectable to the base plate, an extension connectable to the open-top lid, and a stem connectable to the base plate. The extension is removed from the body and the stem is removed from the base plate, and the body is removed from the base plate so that the extension and the stem are placed inside the body before reconnecting the body to the base plate for storage and/or transport. The extension and the stem are removed from the body, the extension is connected to the body, and the stem is connected to the base plate for assembly in an operating configuration.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/373,447 filed Aug. 11, 2016 titled “Collapsible Water Pipe” of Emanuel Isler, hereby incorporated by reference for all that it discloses as though fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND

A water pipe (also referred to as a hookah) is device for vaporizing and smoking flavored tobacco or other smoking material. The vapor and/or smoke passes through a water basin before inhalation. Although water pipes may be made of any desired material, at least the water (or other liquid) basin is typically made of glass or ceramic.

The water pipe is believed to have originated in Persia, and spread to the east into India and Egypt. More recently, the water pipe has gained in popularity in western cultures (e.g., North America, South America, Europe, and Australia), Asia, and Africa.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example collapsible water pipe in an operating configuration.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example collapsible water pipe in a storage and/or transport configuration.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the example collapsible water pipe.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the example collapsible water pipe.

FIGS. 5A-B are component views of a base plate of the example collapsible water pipe.

FIG. 6 is a component view of a stem of the example collapsible water pipe.

FIG. 7 is a component view of an extension of the example collapsible water pipe.

FIG. 8 is a component view of a body of the example collapsible water pipe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A collapsible water pipe is disclosed. In an example, the water pipe can be used as a water pipe in an extended configuration, and collapsed when not in use, thereby making it readily portable.

The example collapsible water pipe may be approximately the size and shape of a soda can, and indeed, can even be made to appear as a soda can or chips container, thus making it disguisable.

The example collapsible water pipe may be collapsed and the stem and locking extension removed (e.g., threaded off) for storage and/or transport. A locking lid (not shown) may also be provided for storage and/or transport. The example collapsible water pipe may be extended and the stem and locking stem replaced (e.g., threaded on) for use. In an example, the collapsible water pipe has a locking extension (e.g., with thumb holes), and a fritted base plate to increase efficiency.

Before continuing, it is noted that as used herein, the terms “includes” and “including” mean, but is not limited to meaning, “includes” or “including” and “includes at least” or “including at least.” The term “based on” means, but is not limited to meaning, “based on” and “based at least in part on.”

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example collapsible water pipe 10 in an operating configuration. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example collapsible water pipe 10 in a storage and/or transport configuration. FIG. 3 is a side view of the example collapsible water pipe 10 as it is shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a top view of the example collapsible water pipe as it is shown in FIG. 1.

An example collapsible water pipe 10 includes a base plate 12 forming a water basin, and a body 14. The base plate 12 may have a perforated floor 13, as can be seen, e.g., in FIGS. 4 and 5A-B. The body 14 can be connected to, and disconnected from, the base plate 12. An extension 16 is connectable to the body 14. In an example, the extension 16 interlocks with the body 14. A mouthpiece or stem 18 is connectable to the base plate 12.

In an example, the body 14 has one or more formations 20 a-b for a user's thumb and/or other fingers. Also in an example, a lid or cap 22 may be provided to cover the opening in the top of the body 14 when the extension 16 is removed. The cap 22 may be interlocking, threaded into the opening, or otherwise connectable.

In an example, the base plate 12 may be fritted to increase efficiency. The body 14 and/or other components of the water pipe 10 may be injection-molded from high quality polycarbonate to ensure glass-like qualities with superior durability and heat resistance. Of course, other materials may also be implemented as will be readily appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art after becoming familiar with the teachings herein.

The water pipe 10 is shown assembled in an operating configuration in FIG. 1. To assemble the water pipe 10, the extension 16 and the stem 18 are removed from the body 14 (if stored therein), e.g., by disconnecting the body 14 from the base plate 12. The body 14 is reconnected to the base plate 12. The extension 16 is connected to the body 14, and the stem 18 is connected to the base plate 12 for assembly in the operating configuration.

The water pipe 10 is shown unassembled in a closed configuration for storage and/or transport in FIG. 2. To disassemble the water pipe 10 and configure it for storage and/or transport, the extension 16 is removed from the body 14 and the stem 18 is removed from the base plate 12. The body 14 is removed from the base plate 12 so that the extension 16 and the stem 18 can be placed inside the body 14. The body 14 can then be reconnected to the body 14. In this closed configuration, the water pipe 10 is ready for storage and/or transport.

In an example, the water pipe 10 in the closed configuration is approximately the size and shape of a soda can. The water pipe 10 may even be disguised (e.g., made to appear) as a soda can, potato chips or snack container, or other container. In an example, the water pipe 10 is readily portable, e.g., for packing in a suitcase, briefcase, purse, etc.

FIGS. 5A-B are component views of a base plate 12 of the example collapsible water pipe 10. In an example, the base plate 12 is generally cylindrical in shape, and has a perforated floor 13. The base plate 12 may also include a threaded portion where the body 16 can be threaded onto (and off of) the base plate 12. Other connections are also contemplated for connecting the body 14 to the base plate 12, as will be readily appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art after becoming familiar with the teachings herein.

In another example, the base plate may include collapsible walls (not shown). For example, the walls may be interconnected cylindrical rings that are successively smaller (or larger) in diameter than the immediately adjacent one, so that the walls raise and lower telescopically. In this example, the walls may form the body 14 and a separate body may not be provided.

An opening 24 may be formed in the base plate 12 to connect the stem 18. FIG. 6 is a component view of a stem 18 of the example collapsible water pipe 10. The stem 18 may interconnect with the base plate 12 via a locking mechanism. For example, the opening 24 in the base plate 12 may include a slotted lock feature 26 a-b configured to receive a tabbed lock feature 28 a-b on the stem 18. The stem 18 is aligned with the opening 24 in a first orientation such that the tabs 28 a-b engage with slots 26 a-b and enable the stem 18 to be inserted into the opening 24. After insertion for a predetermined distance, the slots change direction by about 90 degrees so that the stem 18 can be rotated about 90 degrees to lock the stem 18 to the base plate 12 and secure the stem 18 to the base plate 12.

In an example, a plug 26 may be provided to cover the opening 24 in the base plate 12 when the stem 18 is removed from the base plate 12. The plus 26 may implement the same locking mechanism as the stem 18, or a separate connection (e.g., a push-pull rubber plug).

FIG. 7 is a component view of an extension 16 of the example collapsible water pipe 10. In an example, the extension 16 is connectable to the body 14. FIG. 8 is a component view of the body 14 of the example collapsible water pipe 10. For example, the extension 16 may have thread 17 that mates with thread 15 in the body 14. Other connections are also contemplated for connecting the extension 16 to the body 14, as will be readily appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art after becoming familiar with the teachings herein.

It is noted that the examples shown and described are provided for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting. Still other examples are also contemplated. 

1. A collapsible water pipe, comprising: a base plate forming a water basin a body connectable to the base plate; an extension connectable to the open-top lid; and a stem connectable to the base plate.
 2. The collapsible water pipe of claim 1, wherein the extension is removed from the body and the stem is removed from the base plate, and the body is removed from the base plate so that the extension and the stem are placed inside the body before reconnecting the body to the base plate for storage and/or transport.
 3. The collapsible water pipe of claim 1, wherein the extension and the stem are removed from the body, the extension is connected to the body, and the stem is connected to the base plate for assembly in an operating configuration.
 4. The collapsible water pipe of claim 1, further comprising an opening in the base plate to connect the stem.
 5. The collapsible water pipe of claim 4, wherein the opening in the base plate includes a lock to secure the stem to the base plate.
 6. The collapsible water pipe of claim 4, further comprising a plug for the opening in the base plate.
 7. The collapsible water pipe of claim 1, wherein the extension is connectable to the body by threading into the body.
 8. The collapsible water pipe of claim 1, wherein the body has thumb formations.
 9. The collapsible water pipe of claim 1, further comprising a fritted base plate to increase operating efficiency.
 10. The collapsible water pipe of claim 1, wherein the water pipe is collapsible to be readily portable.
 11. The collapsible water pipe of claim 1, wherein the water pipe is approximately the size and shape of a soda can.
 12. The collapsible water pipe of claim 1, wherein the water pipe is disguisable as a soda can or other container.
 13. A collapsible water pipe, comprising: a base plate forming a water basin; a body; an extension threaded into a top of the body; a stem interlocking in an opening formed in a side of the base plate; and wherein the water pipe is configurable between both an operating configuration and a transport and/or storage configuration.
 14. The collapsible water pipe of claim 13, wherein the extension is removed from the body and the stem is removed from the base plate, and the body is removed from the base plate so that the extension and the stem are placed inside the body before reconnecting the body to the base plate.
 15. The collapsible water pipe of claim 1, wherein the body is cylindrical.
 16. The collapsible water pipe of claim 15, wherein the water pipe is disguisable as a can or container.
 17. A collapsible water pipe, comprising: a body; a base plate forming a water basin, the base plate connected to the body; an extension removably connected to a top of the body; and a stem removably connected to a side of the base plate; wherein the extension is removed from the body and the stem is removed from the base plate, and the body is removed from the base plate so that the extension and the stem are placed inside the body before reconnecting the body to the base plate in a transport and/or storage configuration; and wherein the extension and the stem are removed from the body, the extension is connected to the body, and the stem is connected to the base plate for assembly in an operating configuration.
 18. The collapsible water pipe of claim 17, further comprising a plug for an opening for the stem in the base plate.
 19. The collapsible water pipe of claim 1, wherein the body has thumb formations.
 20. The collapsible water pipe of claim 1, further comprising a fritted base plate. 